Victoria, the southernmost state of Australia, is home to many stunning and fascinating sites that lure many travellers to explore it every year. If you are cruising through the region in your motorhome, you will be able to experience the great outdoors that Australia is famous for.
Like other states in the country, Victoria features diverse landscapes and is a beautiful blend of the natural and contemporary, and travelling in your motorhome allows you to experience the region’s true spirit.
However, depending on how long you plan to travel, you will need to stop at various places for nights and even days if you want to explore and enjoy a certain place. However, finding a motorhome parking can be tricky, particularly if you want to contain your travelling expense and want free parking spots.
Therefore, if you are wondering where in Victoria you can park your motorhome for free when on the go, you may find this article helpful.
Can I Park My Motorhome For Free In Victoria?
While the laws vary from state to state, it is not permissible to park your motorhome just about anywhere, particularly the residential streets. However, there are plenty of places in Victoria where you can park your motorhome for free without being concerned about any consequences.
You may find most places in remote areas, beaches, forests, or parks. There are other options for overnight parking, which we have addressed later in the article. If you have an independent vehicle like your motorhome, i.e., you have food, water, toilet, and waste facilities, you can easily make use of these areas.
Free Motorhome Parking In Victoria
For most motorhome travellers, when they think of a trip to Victoria, only Melbourne comes to mind.
However, while Melbourne is great, it is also very crowded, and if you are looking for a peaceful getaway, it may not be the ideal choice. There are much quieter and more peaceful places in the Victorian outskirts you may like during your motorhome road trip across Victoria.
That said, here are a few recommendations, depending on how long you plan to park your motorhome.
Finding Overnight Motorhome Parking In Victoria
If you are on the go and want to stop and rest for the night, you may not always have a campsite nearby where you can park your motorhome. If you are in an urban area or on the highway, it is not recommended to park your vehicle on the roadside and look for other options instead.
For instance, if you are on the highway, look for rest areas. These facilities do not offer much besides a toilet, but you can rest for the night and be on the go in the morning.
Most rest areas are meant for long-haul truckers, so make sure not to take up the larger parking areas for these vehicles. You can also look for parking areas in huge supermarkets etc.
Australia has several RV Friendly towns designed to meet the guideline required to cater to motorhome tourists. These are an initiative of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia to promote tourism and help road travellers plan their trips.
If you are looking for a short stay to rest for an hour or so, you can park at fuel stations or public parking facilities. However, do not overstay your welcome and leave at the earliest.
Similarly, there are apps like Travellers Autobarn, CamperMate, and WikiCamps that you can use to find free parking in the vicinity.
Free Camping Spots In Victoria
Victoria offers a wide range of options that you can consider for free camping during your road trip across the state. You can opt for forest camping, bush camping, beach camping, etc.
There are numerous sites where you can stay for free, but they may not have facilities like toilets, showers, etc. Hence it is better to do some research and get information beforehand.
Here are a few great places where you can park your motorhome for free, stay a few days and explore the place.
Butts Reserve
This bushland reserve is located at the foot of Mount Tarrengower and is ideal if you are looking for some adventure. There are mountain bike trails in the area.
You will also find toilet and water facilities, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities. If you happen to be in the area on the second Sunday of the month, visit the Maldon Market, a famous farmers market on Church Street in Maldon.
Great Otway Forest
The Otway Forest is ideal if you are looking for a family-friendly option alongside the Great Ocean Road. It is a bonus if you like waterfalls.
The park expands across Torquay to Princetown and then towards Colac, offering magnificent sites. There is a campground near Stevenson Falls where you can easily take your motorhome.
Grampians
The Grampians next to Mount Dryden feature a plantation campground with many campsites, ideal for your motorhome. The place also offers various amenities, including not-potable water, bush showers, non-flush toilets, fire pits, and barbecues.
Meredith Park
Meredith Park is great for camping along the water reserve as it features the vast Lake Colac. The place is famous for fishing, and you will find plenty of carp and redfin.
There is a free campsite with toilets, fire pits, and picnic spots. The park is also home to the endangered Corangamite Water Skink, so do not camp in restricted areas.
Mount Clay State Forest
The small town of Narrawong in western Victoria is home to Mount Clay, a volcanic residue scone. The local landmark is surrounded by a national park with lush vegetation. There is also a campsite, but parking space is quite limited.
Free Motorhome Parking In Victoria Guide
Depending on where you park your motorhome, be it in the wild or an urban area, there are a few aspects you need to consider before you park your motorhome.
While most camping areas across Victoria offer basic amenities like water, toilet, and even shower facilities, it is helpful if your motorhome is equipped with these facilities since availability in the respective spots is not always guaranteed.
Always find out beforehand if you are allowed to park in a particular place, particularly if you are in an urban or residential area.
If you are camping in the wild, make sure there is no “No Parking” sign; otherwise, you will be found violating the law. Also, look out for warning signs for wildlife and maintain a safe distance upon sight.
At the same time, it is important that wherever you park, make it a point to leave no mess behind. Please clean up the litter and properly dispose of the waste to prevent damage to wildlife and the environment.
Finally, be mindful of the local state laws and do not make noise, especially in an urban area.
Can I Camp Anywhere In The State Forest In Victoria?
It is not allowed to camp just anywhere in the State Forest. The vast place has more than 250 camping areas, and you can only stay at the designated places.
Can I Park My Motorhome For Free For Camping In Victoria?
Victoria has no shortage of free parking and camping spaces. There are various forest campgrounds, riversides, and beaches where you can park your motorhome for a few days, making it your base and exploring the area.
